Humanistic economics

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Humanistic economics is a distinct pattern of economic thought with old historical roots that have been more recently invigorated by E. F. Schumacher's Small Is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered (1973). Proponents argue for "persons-first" economic theories as opposed to mainstream economic theories which are understood as often emphasizing financial gain over human well-being. In particular, the overly abstract human image implicit in mainstream economics is critically analyzed and instead it attempts a rethinking of economic principles, policies and institutions based on a richer and more balanced view of human nature.

Contents

Overview

Humanistic economics can be described as a perspective that imbues elements of humanistic psychology, moral philosophy, political science, sociology and common sense into traditional economic thought. Or, to define it more formally, contemporary humanistic economics seeks to:

  1. describe, analyze and critically assess prevailing socio-economic institutions and policies
  2. provide normative (value) guidelines on how to improve them in terms of human (not merely "economic") well-being

In the process, basic human needs, human rights, human dignity, community, cooperation, economic democracy and economic sustainability provide the framework. At its foundation, humanistic economics seeks to replace atomistic economic man with a more holistic human image. One approach is broadly based on Abraham Maslow’s humanistic psychology. [1]

Characteristic elements

According to Mark A. Lutz, five characteristic elements of humanistic economics can be summarized as follows: [2]

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See also

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References

  1. "Humanistic economics - general interest audience". Archived from the original on 2013-11-09. Retrieved 2013-11-09.
  2. M. Lutz, Economics for the Common Good, New York: Routledge, 1999 ISBN   978-0-415-14313-4


Geopolitically all-inclusive Economic concern for how the sum of wealth can be geared toward the greater good of living beings with immediacy in the 21st century.

Further reading